The first three weeks matter most…

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🐾  At Barkitecture, we believe adoption is just the beginning of the journey—not the end. That’s why we’ve created this guide to set both you and your dog up for success, whether you’re welcoming a new best friend home forever or offering a temporary safe haven as a foster.

💡 What to Expect

Many of our dogs come from high-stress shelter environments. They may be scared, overexcited, confused—or all of the above. That’s normal. We’ll help you read their body language, establish healthy routines, and create a safe space where they can begin to heal.

🧰 Inside Your Guide:

• Decompression 101: Why the first 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months matter
• Crate Training & Place Work: Giving your dog a safe zone
• Leash Handling & Structure: Walks with calm, not chaos
• The First 72 Hours: How to set expectations and avoid overwhelm
• Introducing to People & Pets: Do’s, don’ts, and pacing
• Common Challenges & Solutions: Barking, pulling, accidents, and more
• When to Ask for Help: You’re not alone—we offer continued support

💬 Foster with Confidence

Fosters are the bridge between shelter and home. You are healing a dog with every boundary you set, every walk you take, and every moment of calm you help create. Our team will support you with training resources, check-ins, and customized advice—so you’re never in it alone.

📞 Need Help?

We don’t disappear once the leash leaves our hand. Reach out anytime at monica@ruff-around-the-edges.com for coaching, advice, or if you’re simply having a “what do I do now?” moment.

🐶 You’re Not Just Adopting a Dog—You’re Changing a Life…

And we’re here to walk every step with you.